Short on time today, I decided to take a walk instead of going to the gym, to cut out the drive time. As I rounded the halfway point in the first block of three, I found myself calculating with dread how much more I had to go.
I was only 1/6 of the way at that point, so I had five times as much distance remaining, a daunting thought in 33° temperature. But I was grateful for the sudden awareness of what I was thinking, because it showed me where my I was putting my attention and what I would miss if I didn’t change that.
If my attention is on the finish line, then it’s not in the present moment. All of our gifts are in the present moment, not in some future moment. After all, the future is only an idea, not a guaranteed reality. Coming back to what was happening right then, I remembered to take a few deep breaths and get present by tuning into my senses—what I can see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
Immediately, I noticed and enjoyed the crisp air on my face, snug fingers in my gloves, and being tightly cocooned under several layers inside my thick winter coat. I experienced gratitude for my warm coat.
I was listening to my choice music softly playing through my ear buds, actually hearing the encouraging words instead of spacing them out. I inhaled and relished the fragrance that only winter can produce.
Staring up into the barren branches of a large tree, I fixed my eyes on a squirrels’ nest. I imagined them snuggling together, enjoying their stockpiled nuts and keeping each other warm. I love how nature provides for itself and all its creatures.
Thoughts like that don’t even register for me when I’m so consumed with getting through my day and checking things off my list. Self-absorption blocks my observation of beauty in the world and in others.
Besides remembering to stay present to enjoy the gifts of the moment, it always helps me to remember why I chose to do something. Regarding taking a walk, I wanted to move my body and loosen my joints. I hoped to refresh my mind, emotions and mental well-being. I like how walking kick starts my creativity, my day and my week. Plus, I knew I could count on a walk to clear my mind and heart of lingering stress, disruptive thoughts.
Lastly, I needed a subject for this week’s email and my inspiration often comes on my walks. Because it has been extra cold the last few weeks, I’ve skipped my walks, and as a result, have used up my recent writing prompts. It was time to re-stock the well of ideas.
Remembering our WHY is always a great way to refuel our motivation tanks that propel us forward. If we forget our WHY, everything will seem hard and feel like it’s going to take forever. When we sync our intention with our attention, the flow is easier and the experience is much more enjoyable.
With renewed perspective, instead of dreaming about when the walk would be over, I was literally walking into everything I wanted.
Slow down. Be here. Be HERE for as long as you are HERE, which is basically an eternity, one moment at a time. There’s nothing for you anywhere else but here.
Take a deep breath and appreciate all that is true, here in this moment. Isn’t this moment quite perfect, once you stop all the thoughts that are outside this moment?
Oooh yes, this is the serenity I love and need so much. I’m hoping you find an abundance of serenity for yourself today, immersed in the here and why.
